Transitioning to Management in the Auto Industry with Chris Johnson

The Gearbox Podcast

On this episode, Jimmy Purdy welcomes Chris Johnson, a seasoned shop foreman technician from Cobra Mazda. Throughout their discussion, Chris talks about the challenges technicians face in the classic and performance car industries, emphasizing the struggle for profitability despite high customer spending. The pair also tackle the issues of rust and the difficulty in performing alignments on older vehicles, highlighting the necessity of adjusting labor times to account for such complications. Additionally, Chris shares his journey from hands-on technician work to his current managerial role at the Mazda dealership, including his focus on mentoring and improving the skills of his team.

00:00 Long-term apprentice and new technician show growth.
09:16 Technician compares work process to scientific method.
15:36 No profit for classic car technicians, baffling.
18:08 Comparison of Mazda dealerships in different areas.
23:37 Government-backed schooling with subsidies creates support.
30:45 Obtaining a racing license requires training and observation.
36:05 Efficient repairs, upfront pricing, and consumer satisfaction are guaranteed.
38:19 Frustration with thorough process vs fast, sloppy approach.
44:21 People store tires, and some return them. Bins full.
49:11 Inspect thoroughly and adapt pricing based on specifics.
58:42 High population, low concentration of repair shops.
01:01:13 Auto repair regulation limits qualified technicians' availability.

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